3.27.11 Adam News & Info

Oh. Then I probably shouldn't mention that I was lucky enough to get one during the regular sale and then had Adam sign it at my M&G...

But OMG it's one of my most treasured possessions!!!!!

So I'm thinking about activism and charity 'cause I just got the Trevor Project news bulletin in the mail. Some interesting bits of news (scroll if not interested, but since Adam is very excited about his Aftermath collaboration, and has indicated that shortly once it's on itunes the Remix will not benefit the Trevor Project, I thought it was timely).

There is also a nice 1/3 page ad w/ a picture of Adam and a link to download Aftermath on the last page.

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Trevor Lifeline Call Data: Oct 2010 - Jan 31, 2011

Total calls: 11, 092

Gay 36%
Straight 12%
Questioning 10%
Lesbian 8%
Bisexual 8%
Transgender 8%
Pansexual/Queer 1% each

_____________________

Good policy news: "One policy change we are excited about is from the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In early 2011, HUD proposed regulations to end discrimination against LGBTQ people in housing and shelter programs. Since upwards of 40% of all homeless youth are LGBTQ, and 2/3 of homeless youth will attempt suicide at least once, this policy change can literally save lives. Once enacted, if a shelter receives public funds, they cannot turn away a young person because of their sexual orientation or gender identity."
_______________

Also good things resulting from the Trevor Projects' recent growth:

-distributed 2,500 survival kits to educators and youth service providers

-increased volunteer trainings (60 new volunteers)

-invited to conduct a half-day institute at Am. Institute of Suicidology's National Conference to health workers, clinicians, educators about the importance of integrating info about LGTBQ youth in suicide prevention planning.

-TrevorChat added, and 15,000 LGBTQ youth and straight allies now belong to TrevorSpace.org - a safe online forum.



I'll add one more story in a new post...

OK... I'm going to be green with envy for five minute and then I'll grow up and be happy for you. ;D

Definitely worth a read --->


From the Trevor Project News:

Stories from the frontline:

Alias: Daniel, Age 15, State: MS

Daniel was in distress. Through tears, he explained to the Lifeline Counselor that everyone, including his mother thinks he is gay, even thought he's sure that he is straight. Because he has a seemingly feminine voice, he is bullied incessantly, and he called the Trevor Lifeline for support.

At first our counselor evaluated whether Daniel might be questioning his sexual orientation, but the more they talked, it was evident that Daniel is straight. He was dealing with being bullied and feeling invisible. To Daniel, his biggest challenge was learning to "come out" as straight.

It's strange to consider, but for someone like Daniel the reassurance in "It Gets Better" videos didn't seem to him to apply. Does it get better if your'e straight and being bullied for presenting as gay? Who is looking out for people like Daniel? Because he felt isolated and alone, a few months ago Daniel had attempted to take his own life. He confessed his family didn't know about the attempt, and our counselor noted the urgency of connecting Daniel with a network of support.

Together with the Lifeline Counselor, Daniel put together a plan for dealing with his isolation. They also planned how to communicate to others his actual orientation, discussing how, when and what to say to his mom. Our counselor gave him a referral to a local counseling center, and Daniel also mentioned that his history teacher is someone he can talk to. He committed to talking to her about it the next day.

According to their plan, Daniel will talk to his mom soon, and he'll call the Trevor Lifeline back for support if he needs it. At the end of the call, Daniel said, "I'm amazed that I told you all this stuff. I thought that I would call you and it would fail. Thank you. I can't say it enough. I can honestly say that you just saved my life."